City leaders react after 5 shot at vigil for homicide victim
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The vigil took place at the same location around 7:50 p.m. Monday night, according to the Milwaukee Police Department.
"This is something that's a continuing trend," said Acting Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman. "Juvenile violence, mass violence, is unacceptable on all levels."
Two 15-year-old Milwaukee girls, a 64-year-old Milwaukee man, a 30-year-old Milwaukee man and a 35-year-old Milwaukee man all sustained non-fatal gunshot injuries.
"My concern is that there's retaliatory actions going on right now among different factions of young people and it's a very serious problem," said Mayor Tom Barrett.
So far no one has been arrested for Rydell's murder or the vigil shooting. When asked if the violence is gang related, Chief Norman says the definition of a gang isn't what it used to be.
"What we're seeing now is more of groups affiliated with some loose connection to a person or particular event," Chief Norman said. "And they morph, that's the challenge of this. It's almost like you think you get your finger on one and it morphs because of another affiliation."
Chief Norman says the police department is working with community partners to get information and to try and prevent more retaliation.
"It pushes more community work," Chief Norman said. "We are information driven. To get more information, you have to have a relationship."
In a statement, Alderman Khalif Rainey, who represents the area said, "This is wholly unacceptable and as a community we must do better to put an end to these senseless shootings. Guns are NEVER the answer to solve disputes, and our children, friends, family members and neighbors deserve better than to fear gun violence during a moment of grieving and sadness – or at any other point and time."
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Milwaukee police at (414) 935-7360 or Crime Stoppers at (414) 224-TIPS or P3 Tips App to remain anonymous.